An Introvert Shares: Survive Quarantine Like A Pro

So, yea it’s still March and we are all still trying to do our part to flatten the curve by way of a quarantine. The struggle is real, even for someone like me who tends to lean closer to the introvert end of the spectrum. I find myself itching to get out and feel the sun beaming on me. I find myself drooling over images of sea foam and palm trees. I’m really not even that big of a beach person! But the freedom that comes with being outside in the open air and not feeling unsafe…is one I miss like no other.

With that said, it behooves me to say that there are people at work at the forefront of this pandemic that don’t really have the option to stay indoors like we do, so instead of being negative about the having to quarantine situation, let’s try to focus on the positives. If you didn’t have the time for yourself before you certainly do now! And that’s a gift.

Quarantine Qualms

While I do miss spending most of my day outside or going out for a coffee, I can say that I’m not suffering all that much of cabin fever. Now I do know many, many social butterflies that are having a difficult time during this lock-down. The idea of not being able to see or speak to several people throughout the day can actually be really trying for a lot of people. But oddly enough I feel like I’ve been preparing for this quarantine my whole life. I know that sounds bad. It isn’t. I mean, I never understood the stigma behind being an introvert. It’s just such a natural, inherent sort of a thing.

Socially, being alone is no bueno. But you know what sounds unappealing to someone like me? The constant buzzing noise of multiple people talking around me for hours and hours on end throughout the day. I’m not even joking. Introverts out there will agree with me that we do crave for that time in the day when we finally get solitude. When we finally get the chance to reconnect with ourselves, there is often a sigh of relief that follows.

No one is more prepared for quarantine, than an introvert. We’ve been waiting for this. This is the time that we flourish the most, when we are so in tune with our time of solitude, our passions, desires and creative flow– magic happens. So a tip from me to you, get back to yourself and spend your time doing what you love. Do what makes you feel good, do what pushes you forward. Or do nothing and just relax, get some TLC and put your mind at ease.

Either way, this time that you spend social distancing from everyone you know, will really make you so much better, healthier and more in tune with the need to balance time with everyone and time with yourself. Down below are just some simple things I do to enjoy the quality quarantine time I’m spending with myself.

Music

Such a major part of my day as it is for most people. I can truly lose myself for hours with my airpods in shuffling around the house tidying things up. I’ve been quite obsessed with Saint Jhn for so long now that I can easily lose myself listening to his albums with no trouble at all. Yes, introverts love club banging music too; Traci Lords is actually one of my favorite songs of his. But really, though Saint Jhn, is today’s Teddy Pendegrass and if you have not blessed your ears with his music, it’s my civic duty to tell you that you must.

Were you expecting Fleetwood Mac? It’s not always folk music or Mazzy Star you know. Although Hope Sandoval is one of my favorite artists of all time. And as far as folk bands, Fleet Foxes gets the job done. Fakear is an artist that will satisfy all of your electronic chill, but hypnotically deep vibes and make you wish you were swinging from a tree in Bali. Whatever you’re into, whatever kind of music makes you happy, don’t be afraid to dance like no one’s watching, it’s super cathartic.

Self Care

My face has probably benefited the most from this quarantine life. I’m a skin care lover, but am totally OK with the fact that I’ve used a face mask everyday. Don’t worry, it only feels like my face is going to fall off. Joking. Pre-quarantine face masks were a bi-weekly sort of deal, partly as a way to unwind during a bath. But lately I’ve been using various treatment masks that do different things and my face has been loving me for it. I’ve recommended the RitualTea Matcha Madness mask on a previous post, it’s always my fave for glowy skin.

Andalou Naturals really do some great natural masks and Clairins has been coming through with their HydraQuench Cream Face Mask. Aside from pampering my face, I’ve also been pampering my body with luxurious bath salts, oils and a whole lotta bubbles. I love taking baths, but pre-locked down life they were a treat once a month. So far I’ve taken a bath every other day. And listen darling, I don’t just take a bath alright, I take the bougiest bath possible. Well it only looks bougie, but that is how I prefer it. Candles, bath bombs, a good book, some hot tea and some dim lights. Take some time to take care of your body and mind, do what makes you feel good. Sometimes TLC is all we need to get back to ourselves.

Books

I don’t know how I let reading get away from me for so long, but I feel like I’ve been making up for it this month. I’m currently loving Courtney Peppernell’s I Hope You Stay. It’s been so long since I’ve reconnected with my love of poetry, but Courtney manages to do it beautifully in such a relatable way. If you love love, romance, heartbreak, passion or are currently going through it–definitely check it out. It’s a gorgeous book as well to have in your library. I have also decided to start reading a book that’s been on my list for a while The Dove Keepers. Aside from the ones that help my mind drift off into another world, I’ve picked up my Italian language book again. Head in the books, OK I’m starting to feel like myself again. If you have never lost yourself in a book, please, please try it. Find a good book, there’s no picture quite as amazing as your own imagination.

Productivity

This is the area of quarantine that I feel I am really trying to make the most of these days. My goals, my future, my dreams are all wrapped up in how much I can get done and am able to get done when I’m not on someone else’s clock. So I’ve really been using as much time as I can to move that little needle. It’s really important for me to keep my week organized with things I need to do so that I can effectively accomplish my goals. This helps me be organized and not just occupied with busy work. This girl is trying to get somewhere! Figuratively speaking of course. There’s no better time like the quarantined present, to figure out your next moves for greatness. What do you want in life, what does happiness look like for you and how can you get there. Let’s start building those blocks shall we!

Entertainment

Lastly, I like most of the world, have watched just about everything on Netflix. Luckily Netflix and HBO actually has really been coming through with the entertainment. A few shows I would like to recommend. My Brilliant Friend, currently streaming on HBO for any of you Italian lovers, you have to watch. It’s such a beautiful and intriguing show and I’m so glad I found it. Ozark Season 3. Need I say more? I didn’t even realize they were coming out with Season 3! Happy Valley is another one for you crime lovers. If you are a Podcast listener, Crime Junkies and Dateline make for fantastic audio shows. Yes I love crime stories. Over indulge, no one will shame you. No other time, will you have this much freedom to binge without judgement.